William Barnes and Thomas Hardy: Study Day

The Barnes Society and the `Thomas Hardy Society are pleased to present a joint study day on Saturday 26th October at the Dorford Centre (Coffee Lounge), Dorchester. The programme will focus on aspects of the relationship between Barnes and Hardy through their lives and work.

The day will finish with a visit to Came Rectory courtesy of the current owner, Kaysha Hildebrand.

Venue: Dorford Centre (Coffee Lounge), Dorchester

 Programme 

10.45 am - arrive - tea/coffee available

11 am - Mark Chutter, Chair and Academic Director for the Thomas Hardy Society introduces the day.

11.15 am - 11.40 am Dr Alan Chedzoy talks on the Barnes/Hardy relationship through their poetry.

11.45 am - 12.10 pm Mark Chutter: Imagined conversations between Barnes and Hardy

12.15 - 12.30 pm William Barnes Society members read selected Barnes dialect poems.

12.30-1.30 pm Lunch on your own - Shire Hall or Dorset Museum and Art Gallery both on High West Street, or bring a picnic lunch!

1.30 pm - 1.45 pm Rod Drew (Volunteer at Max Gate and member of the Barnes Society) reads from Hardy’s Return of the Native.

1.45-2.10 pm Follow up and commentary on Barnes/Hardy influences, Mark Chutter.

2.15 pm - 2.40 pm Dr John Blackmore member of the William Barnes Society on the images of ‘roads’ in the work of Barnes and Hardy.

2.45 pm Sum up from Mark Chutter and from Brian Caddy, Chair of the William Barnes Society.

3.00 pm leave for Came Rectory in cars - to arrive at 3.30 pm with readings of Barnes poems and Hardy's The Last Signal.